Clearys’ pack a punch with big boxing wins at home and in UK

COUSINS James and Frankie Cleary continue to make waves in boxing circles after each of the 18-year-old Olympic Club fighters recorded significant victories in the past fortnight.

Two weeks ago, Frankie Cleary comprehensively accounted for Cherry Orchard’s Jack Kelly in the national U-18 56kg final – so qualifying for the European Youth Championships in Poland in November – on a day Olympic BC had no less than three boxers competing in deciders at the National Stadium.

This was Frankie’s sixth national title in total and the eighth national title for Olympic BC so far this season.

The other fighters involved were Martin Delaney, who was defeated by Old School’s Stephen McKenna, and James Cleary, who narrowly lost out to Mullingar Elite’s Adam Kelly.

However, the disappointment of that loss turned to joy last weekend when James secured victory in the famed Haringey Cup in Alexandra Palace.

In all, the Galway club brought over four boxers to London, with two of them reaching the finals.

In addition to claiming the Youth Class ‘A’ title at 64kg, James was also awarded the ‘Best Youth Boxer’ at the 2015 Haringey Cup weekend.

James had won both his quarter-final and semi-final on knockouts before beating Tony Buttigeg of Lansbury comprehensively to secure gold in the final which was televised on local TV station, London Live.

Although James was approached afterwards about going professional, it is understood the Galway fighter is focusing on the National Senior Elite Championships this November, with an eye, possibly, of securing a place in the Olympic Games qualifiers next year.

For more on Olympic Boxing Club’s successes see this week’s Tribune, download the Digital Edition here or get the Connacht Tribune app from iTunes or Google Play